Dodgers’ Dino Ebel Impressed With Gavin Lux’s Defense at Second, Handling of Move Off Shortstop
This hasn’t been the spring Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux was hoping for.
Lux, who was entering camp as the Dodgers’ shortstop after losing his 2023 season to a torn ACL, has since been moved back to second base due to his struggles fielding and throwing from the left side of the infield.
The Dodgers decided to move Mookie Betts over to shortstop and move Lux back to second base, a position at which he’s played over 62 percent of his MLB innings.
Lux hasn’t exactly been perfect thus far in his move back to second base, as he made a throwing error on Monday and also had a miscommunication with Chris Taylor that allowed an easy pop up to drop.
However, Dodgers infield coach Dino Ebel has been impressed with Lux thus far not only in his defense at second, but also how he’s handled the move.
At this point, Lux just needs to continue getting reps on defense. The more throws he makes and the more grounders he fields will help him get comfortable and confident as Opening Day nears.
The Dodgers open their season in eight days in Korea, and the Dodgers clearly want Lux to be in the lineup because of his bat. So, if he can shake off the rust and get back to being at least an average defender (he actually graded out as an above average second baseman in 2023), the Dodgers will be in a great spot heading into the 2024 season.
That, of course, relies on Betts making the smooth transition over to shortstop, too.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Lux should not be in the lineup until he can improve his defensive skills. So many others deserve the spot and can effectively throw a ball to first base.
I agree with Plaschke, and Houston Mitchell – Rojas should be starting at short, Mookie at 2nd. This move is going to lose the Dodgers a bunch of games this year. They make all these moves to improve the roster, then take a step back. Infuriating.